This meeting each year is for a pretty good cause, the Child Cancer Foundation. A few celebrities turn up for a go in stockcars and this year included Steve Devine, Shane Cameron, April Ieremia, Isa Nacewa, Steven McIvor and Robbie Rakete amoung others. I wasn't expecting much going on previous years performances but when they actually took off some of them showed a bit of pace and there were a few good hits going in from Devine and Dean Lonergan. Breeze DJ Tony Uda was a cut above the rest taking the win from Sky TV's Steven McIvor and Outrageous Fortune actor Antony Starr taking third in a pretty enjoyable race. Michelle Pickles turned in a performance to rival Raybon Kan from a few years ago that could only be described as 'cautious' driving. No shows from Mike King, Matthew Ridge and Tony Veitch which was unfortunate, I almost expected a BMX display from Ridgey. I also think it would be interesting (and easier on the very trusting owners of the stockcars) to try putting the celebs in ministocks for future events perhaps?
The rest of the programme was not too bad including 12 Superstocks, all but one registered to Auckland (46r Jamieson the visitor) and they put on some good racing. 26a Lance Randall and 61a Tim Nicholls first appearances of the season and also Paul Vasey who took the first win of the night in the immaculate looking 351a. Wins also going to 36a Ricky Mitchell and 16a Aaron Headington.
The Saloons and SuperSaloons were racing together in possibly the best racing of the night. Action a plenty, with a few massive hits going in including a pile up at the end of heat 1 and a rather nasty looking accident for Lance Jennings in heat 2. Heat 3 was won by 5a Daniel Knight who is showing so much promise in his rookie season. Easily the most watchable class and what a turnaround from last season. Saloons 13 cars, SuperSaloons 5 cars.
9 Modifieds fronted for some good close racing but I have to mention 3nz Jamie Fox. Last night he stepped up another level and produced some performances that actually had me clapping during a race, this doesn't happen often. Now in this field were some outstanding drivers and in heat one Fox performed an outside passing manoeuver on the leading group of cars that was so spectacular words don't do it justice. In heats 2 + 3 all eyes were on Fox just wondering how far he could push the car. It seemed to me (Im no expert) that as other cars buttoned off for the corners he slowed then powered into them just making up so much ground and really wowing the crowd. Gees I hope he is having as much fun driving the new car as we are having watching it. Performer of the night without a doubt. One to watch in this class will be 78a Ray Chatfield who when he gets it right is one of the fastest on the track.
The Stockcar drivers took over from the celebs for three heats of their own and even minus the 5 Alleycats put on a great show. Visitor 9k was dealt to in all three races and had a fairly torrid night but it was a massive hit on 7a Aaron Cooper by 168a Billy Neill that possibly ranks as the biggest of the season so far, ouch!
Also racing last night were 20 MiniStox and a small field of 7 Streetstocks. Overall not a bad meeting, not a huge crowd but it was pretty cold and standing on the bank at cemetery bend got pretty windy by meetings end. I had wanted to go to Huntly for the second night of the teams but with WP only 5 mins away and the hassle it took to get to Huntly on Friday, the charity meeting won the day. I think its good that WP do meetings like this, hopefully there will be some mainstream coverage of the meet too as a little thank you for their efforts.
Meeting rating : 6/10
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